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Cats › Breeds › American Bobtail

🐈 American Bobtail Cat — Complete Breed Profile

✓ Profile verifiedSources: CFA · PetMDVerified: Oct 18, 2026
American Bobtail cat breed profile photo

Photo: File:American bobtail.jpg by Rachel Davies from Aberystwyth, WALES, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Believe an image infringes your rights? Report it — we remove within 24 h.

Lifespan13–17 years
RecognitionCFA-recognized
Origin of profileCFA + PetMD

How long do American Bobtail cats live?

13–17 years is the typical range. Published breed-specific longevity data is limited for this breed; 13–17 years is the typical range for healthy indoor cats overall (PetMD). Individual cats vary — lean body weight, dental care and regular checkups move the number more than anything else.

Personality & temperament

"The call of the wild comes home to your lap!" — CFA official breed profile

Do American Bobtails need a lot of grooming?

Moderate shorthair shedding — a weekly brush keeps it (and your sofa) under control. A simple weekly routine covers most of it.

Health notes for American Bobtails

The CFA breed profile discusses health considerations for this breed; review it with your breeder and vet. Every cat, purebred or not, needs: annual vet exams (twice-yearly after age 7), dental care, parasite prevention, weight watching, and vaccines on your vet’s schedule.

Is a American Bobtail right for you?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling. Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get certain nutrients (taurine, arachidonic acid, preformed vitamin A) from animal tissue, so a complete, balanced cat food should always be the base of the diet.

Before adopting, read the cat care library — and consider that adult shelter cats also "come in breed-ish packages" without the breeder price tag.

People also ask about American Bobtail cats

How long do American Bobtail cats live?

American Bobtail cats typically live 13–17 years. Published breed-specific longevity data is limited for this breed; 13–17 years is the typical range for healthy indoor cats overall (PetMD). Indoor life, lean weight and routine vet care are the biggest longevity levers owners control.

Do American Bobtails shed a lot?

Shedding: Moderate shorthair shedding — a weekly brush keeps it (and your sofa) under control.

How much do American Bobtails weigh?

Breed-specific published weight data is limited — most adult domestic cats weigh between 8 and 12 lb, and your vet can tell you where your cat sits on the healthy curve.

Are American Bobtails good with kids?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling.

Are American Bobtails friendly with strangers and other pets?

High-energy; daily interactive play is a requirement, not a bonus. Slow introductions and vertical space (cat trees, shelves) make multi-pet homes smoother.

Sources & verification